Rice farmers happy with new farming technologies

RICE Farmers in Limulunga district of Western province are happy with improved rice farming technology and the use of new rice varieties under the Agricultural Productivity Programme in Southern Africa (APPSA).

Speaking during an exchange visit in Nangila area, Kamwezi Shanika who had been empowered with SUPA MG new rice and used controlled spacing said she used few seeds but the yield was more unlike when she used recycled seed. And Likando Nyambe of Usha area applauded government for taking a bold decision to promote rice growing among the people in the area, adding she was able to fill bags and secure food for her household. Government has been making strides through the US$200,000 APPSA project that has been rolling out its implementation since 2015 by empowering farmers with 1 Kilogramme of rice to demonstrate to how improved farming technology and certified rice varieties would promote higher yield. And speaking when addressing farmers at Nangili area of Limulunga District, Mongu senior field crops officer said lead farmers and 400 follower farmers in :estern Province had been benefiting from the Agricultural Productivity Programme in Southern Africa APPSA. She encouraged the local people to ensure that the certified seeds were stored for other members in the community to appreciate the new farming Initiative. And Limulunga District Commissioner Litambo Ndombo told ZANIS in an interview that government was committed to ensuring that people in rural Zambia were empowered to increase their levels of agriculture productivity.-